Thais snap up crocodile meat as pork prices surge
- Thailand’s pig farms are in crisis, with the government last week finally confirming the presence of African swine flu. The outbreak has hit supply, pushing up prices
- For those who can stomach it, there is a cheaper and more protein-rich alternative: crocodile. At this rate, reptile farmers may need to upscale their businesses
Since the price of pork surged to a record 200 baht (US$6) a kilo, Wichai Rungtaweechai’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing with orders for his speciality – crocodile meat – as Thais seek out cheaper sources of protein.
A kilogram of crocodile meat by comparison costs around US$2, welcome relief for consumers who have been feeling the surge in swine prices since the start of the year, but bad news for the 10,000 reptiles at Wichai’s breeding farm in Nakhon Pathom, an hour by car from Bangkok.
“Inquiries are coming from all over the country,” said Wichai, 65, speaking from the side of a pen where saltwater crocodiles were basking motionless, stacked on top of each other in leathery piles and lurking in ponds thick with algae.
“Initially I didn’t know how to handle the demand. Restaurants and meat traders want large amounts sent out to them … while other customers who want to try crocodile meat order it to take home to cook themselves.”
The reason for the turn to crocodile meat – which is leaner and contains more protein than pork but is tougher than chicken, according to Wichai – is a crisis in Thailand’s pig farms.
After months of denials, Thai authorities last week finally confirmed African swine flu had infiltrated the kingdom.
